CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The Iowa Governor’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Advisory Council recently awarded four of Iowa’s STEM school partners, known as STEM BEST® (Business Engaging Students and Teachers), to pilot the Quality Pre-Apprenticeship model.
The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a $1.8 million ApprenticeshipUSA State Expansion grant to Iowa last fall to grow the Registered Apprenticeship system in Iowa as a solution for employers seeking to build a qualified workforce. The grant partners, including U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Apprenticeship, Iowa Workforce Development, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Department of Corrections, Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Association of Business and Industry and the STEM Council, proposed a Quality Pre-Apprenticeship model within this grant to help secondary students meet the basic qualifications for entry into a Registered Apprenticeship Program in the state.
“We view Registered Apprenticeship Programs as a key strategy for meeting the Future Ready Iowa goal where 70 percent of Iowa’s workforce will have some type of education or training beyond high school by 2025,” said. Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, co-chair of the STEM Council. “Now with Quality Pre-Apprenticeship Programs, we can introduce these fast-track careers to Iowa’s youth at an even younger age, ultimately qualifying them for Registered Apprenticeship pathways that fill the workforce pipeline in Iowa in fields of high demand.”
The STEM Council will lead this portion of the grant, using $200,000 to kick-start Quality Pre-Apprenticeship Programs focused on high-demand, STEM-related occupations in partnership with these four STEM BEST partners selected for their in-depth proposals:
- Boone High School — Semester-length, project-based opportunities through the School Career Connections and vocational rehabilitation programs initially in plumbing and electrical fields. Workplace partners include Kruck Plumbing & Heating Co. and ABC of Iowa Apprenticeship & Training Trust.
- Muscatine Community School District — In partnership with Muscatine Community College, students will earn certificates in electronics and up to 38 credits toward an Engineering Technology Electromechanical Diploma or certificates in culinary arts and up to 32 credits toward a Culinary Arts Diploma. Workplace partners include HNI and Allsteel.
- Spencer High School — Students take part in a construction extended career experience, receiving on-site job training for an average of 12.5 hours per week along with earning a 10-hour OSHA certification. Workplace partners include Milford Electric and Midwestern Mechanical.
- Waukee APEX — High school seniors continue learning past the initial APEX course in the manufacturing, construction and technology fields. Workplace partners include MidAmerican Energy, Weitz Company, Master Builders of Iowa, Neumann Brothers Construction, Remodelworks, Pillar, LightEdge Solutions and Accumold.
“These four STEM BEST partners continue to make strong connections with the local businesses in their communities,” said Kemin Industries President and CEO Dr. Chris Nelson, co-chair of the STEM Council. “This new pilot opportunity will build on what they’ve already established and will help students earn applicable credentials when they graduate high school to further their education in some of the most in-demand careers in our state.”
In their proposals, the four awarded STEM BEST partners showed proven partnerships with local workplace partners, some of which already take part in Registered Apprenticeship Programs; a vision for Quality Pre-Apprenticeship Programs for secondary students; a mission for recruiting students in underrepresented groups in STEM; and plans for evaluation, modeling for neighboring schools and sustainability. These partners will be asked to deliver a “how-to manual” for other schools and partners throughout the state to help them replicate Quality Pre-Apprenticeships Programs in their communities.
Director Beth Townsend of Iowa Workforce Development said the STEM BEST partners will help to expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs to youth, one of the targeted populations identified in the grant.
“Introducing high school students to careers that they can pursue through a Registered Apprenticeship is a winning solution for students, their parents and employers,” Townsend said. “The average wage per year is $60,820 for a worker who completed a Registered Apprenticeship in Iowa. Because it is a learn-and-earn model, employers receive immediate help for their employment needs. And, parents are thrilled when their child can obtain a well-paying job without incurring student debt.”
— Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council
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